Ross Hartley Barefoot, 84
With many family members at his side, Ross Hartley Barefoot passed away in the comfort of his home on July 23, 2013, in Kalispell. Ross was born Sept. 1, 1928, in Johnstown, Pa.
Ross was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Being stationed in North Dakota and, on a weekend pass, Ross met the love of his life, Carol Joyce Cossette. They were married in Fargo, N.D., and together they embarked on a lifelong journey.
Ross and Joyce moved to Missoula for Ross to attend the University of Montana. Ross worked for the Anaconda Company, the Florence Hotel and later realized education was his calling. Ross became a history teacher working in Victor, and later became an administrator, moving his family from Missoula to Baker, where he felt it was the best place to raise his family. After a successful career Ross and Joyce retired to Kalispell.
He felt the most important element in his life was his family. He established a rich tradition of family gatherings with his children who returned home to celebrate family and life.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Hartley Barefoot and Anna Howells Barefoot; twin brother, Thomas Glenn Barefoot; and daughters, Kimberly Anne Barefoot and Shelly Joyce Barefoot Havlovick.
Ross is survived by his wife, Carol Joyce Barefoot; his three sons, Jeffrey, Hartley and Kellee Jo, and Benjamin Lita; and seven daughters, Margo, Ruth, Rebecca and Rick, Jae and Marty, Glenna and Dan, Molly and Jerry, and Jessie; 24 grandchildren and one great- grandchild.
The family will have a private gathering to celebrate Ross’ life with the spreading of his ashes at one of the family’s favorite places in Montana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be to the Shelly J. Havlovick Endowed Scholarship at MT Tech Foundation, 1300 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ross’ family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Ross’ tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.